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Higher Education Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SmithGroup

Higher Education Studio Leader

Houston, TX · On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

The Houston office of SmithGroup is looking for a Higher Education Studio Leader to join our team ... Work with the Regional Director and the Regional Practice Director to ensure that marketing & sales ...

Huckabee

Marketing Manager - Higher Education

Spring, TX · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Lead and/or support interviews and business development initiatives, as directed by the National Market Leader, Higher Education. Process Management & Team Development * Ensure excellence in RFP/Q ...

Lenovo

Sales Executive - Higher Education

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

... Directors, and Procurement teams * Navigate complex, decentralized buying environments across ... Demonstrate deep understanding of Higher Education trends, including hybrid learning models ...

New

Concept3D

Account Executive: Higher Education

$175K/yr

You will report directly to the Company's Director of Sales. This is a great opportunity to make an immediate impact on the business with potential for accelerated career growth. Requirements Why ...

HED

Project Manager - Higher Education

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Lead and direct multi-disciplinary A/E teams and all project activities, interfacing with the ... Experience with Higher Education projects in California. * Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or ...

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Higher Education Director information

See salary details

$32.5K

$74.3K

$129K

How much do higher education director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for higher education director in the United States is $74,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a higher education director do?

A Higher Education Director oversees the academic, administrative, and operational functions of a college, university, or specific academic department. Their responsibilities often include strategic planning, policy development, budget management, and ensuring compliance with educational standards and regulations. They work closely with faculty, staff, and other administrators to enhance student success and support institutional goals. Additionally, they may represent the institution in external partnerships and play a key role in accreditation processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a higher education director?

To thrive as a Higher Education Director, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning expertise, and a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or doctorate in education or administration. Familiarity with academic management systems, accreditation standards, and data analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills help foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. These competencies are crucial for guiding institutional growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a positive educational environment.

How does a higher education director typically collaborate with faculty and administrative departments to achieve institutional goals?

A Higher Education Director works closely with both faculty and administrative teams to align academic programs and operational strategies with the institution’s mission. This often involves leading cross-departmental meetings, coordinating on accreditation processes, and facilitating the implementation of new policies or initiatives. Effective collaboration typically requires strong communication skills to balance the needs of diverse stakeholders and to ensure that projects progress smoothly. Directors also mentor department heads and serve as a bridge between executive leadership and ground-level staff.

What is the difference between Higher Education Director vs Academic Dean?

AspectHigher Education DirectorAcademic Dean
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in Education or related field
Work EnvironmentAdministrative leadership in colleges/universitiesAcademic leadership overseeing faculty and curriculum
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, universitiesColleges, universities, academic institutions
Primary FocusInstitutional strategy, administration, and policyAcademic programs, faculty management, curriculum development

While both roles require advanced degrees and are found within higher education, the Higher Education Director focuses on overall institutional management and strategy, whereas the Academic Dean concentrates on academic programs and faculty oversight.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Higher Education jobs?

The most popular types of Higher Education jobs are:

What states have the most Higher Education Director jobs?

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Higher Education Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Higher Education Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,307 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Higher Education Studio Leader

SmithGroup

Houston, TX • On-site

$145K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.
The Houston office of SmithGroup is looking for a Higher Education Studio Leader to join our team.
Working with us, you will:
  • Be responsible for growing practice market share and net revenue by winning work and assisting teams in profitably delivering design excellence and client satisfaction.
  • Provide leadership and management necessary for the development and growth of the studio consistent with SmithGroup's strategic themes of growing the firm, building expertise, and designing holistically.
  • Maintain relationships with past clients and develop relationships with current/new clients.
  • Work with the Regional Director and the Regional Practice Director to ensure that marketing & sales budgets, revenue, and project performance targets are achieved and that studio issues are addressed.
  • Work closely with practice leadership, Business Development, and Marketing to strategically grow the studio aligned with practice goals; effectively represent our services; and contribute to thought leadership initiatives including national practice forums and presentations at regional and national conferences.
  • Provide leadership and be actively involved in projects through all phases, from initial client contacts through marketing pursuits, sales efforts, contract negotiations, project kick-off, feasibility studies, strategic planning, master planning, programming, conceptual studies, schematic, design, design development, construction documentation, bidding and award, construction administration, move-in, follow-up, and on-going client relationship maintenance.
  • Work with discipline leaders and staff assuring the technical, administrative, and schedule targets are met.
  • Develop and implement strategic objectives in concert with the practice and regional objectives.
  • Consistently exhibit and demonstrate a commitment to SmithGroup core values - passion, sustainability, equity, community, curiosity, and integrity.
  • Make authoritative decisions and recommendations in concert with the regional leadership that may impact primary activities, strategic objectives, guidelines, quality, standards, and principles of the region and firm as a whole.
  • Lead/coordinate communication efforts within assigned studio and between other studio leaders.
  • Participate in recruiting, coaching, and career development of staff.

An ideal candidate has:
  • A professional degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, or equivalent combination of related experience and/or training.
  • 15+ years related experience preferred and/or training (or equivalent combination of education and experience) in the AE Industry.
  • Registration or licensure in relevant field; LEED AP preferred.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness and a strong commitment to working in a team setting, delivering high client satisfaction and technical competence.
  • Strong leadership skills in the areas of business development; professional and civic involvement.
  • Strong business acumen and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of the work.
  • The ability to take responsibility and ownership to meet standards, budgets, schedules, and deadlines.
  • A high degree of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to travel 25-35%.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $145,000 to $170,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to careers@smithgroup.com.

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